Alternatives to goal setting

Fresh Ways for UK VAs to Re-Energise Your Goals (Now We’re in Q2!)

If you’re feeling like your initial plans need a bit of a boost, or if you’re simply looking for some fresh alternatives to keep you on track as we move through the second quarter, here are a few ideas to get you going:

Vision Board

Creating a vision board is a doddle. Whether you prefer an online version on Pinterest or a good old-fashioned piece of card or cork board, you’re essentially arranging a collection of images that resonate with your big dreams and what you really want to achieve in the months ahead. Let your imagination run wild! Choose pictures, words, and even bits and bobs that represent the things you’re aiming for this quarter and beyond.  (Personally I struggle with a Vision Board – I am not a visual person in all honesty.)

Setting Intentions

An intention is like a clear statement of what you want to achieve – and it becomes the driving force behind what you do. As you look at the next few months, consider setting some clear intentions, jot them down, and keep them positive to guide your actions.

How Do You Want to Feel?

In Danielle LaPorte’s book, ‘The Desire Map’, she talks about setting goals based on how you actually want to feel. It’s a game-changer at any point in the year! This approach is brilliant if you’re tired of chasing purely material things and instead want a life grounded in positive emotions as you navigate the second quarter.

Experience-Based Goals

Similar to the point above, this is another fantastic alternative, especially for this time of year. Instead of just listing things you want to achieve (like “update my website”), focus on the experience you want to create (“I want to have a website that clearly showcases my services and attracts ideal clients”).

One or Three-Word Themes

This approach to goal setting can be really effective for focusing your efforts in the current quarter. You pick a word (or three) that sums up how you want to feel or what you want to experience in the coming months. Often, you can write it down and pop it somewhere you’ll see it regularly (like a mini vision board) and let that word guide your decisions and actions. This is something I do, I have 3 words that guide the decisions I make. Any time I get an opportunity I run it through my 3 word filter. My 3 words for 2025 are: aligned, service and quality.  (If you use the 3 word approach, I would love to know your words.)

Whatever method you choose, here’s a crucial bit of advice, especially as we’re in the swing of the year: think in shorter timeframes. While you might have had annual goals, now is the perfect time to break things down into more manageable 90-day chunks to keep you focused and adaptable.

Which way of setting and planning do you use to stay on track throughout the year? Have you tried any of these alternatives and found them better than the traditional approach – or are you a firm believer in sticking to what you know? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Need a Helping Hand to Power Through Quarter 2 and Beyond?

Here at The VA Membership, we’re always looking at how we can support you in building and growing your Virtual Assistant business, no matter where you are in the year. We know that keeping you motivated and moving towards your goals is key to your success in this second quarter and beyond.

The VA Membership is the only UK VA business accelerator specifically designed to help you build and scale your VA business, create reliable income, and achieve consistent growth through focused action. With well over 150 hours of training courses, weekly co-working sessions, regular group coaching calls, a supportive private community, and flexible payment options, we’re here for you as you continue to grow your business throughout the year.

Ready to make the most of Q2 and become the “go-to” Virtual Assistant? Come and join us in The VA Membership – we’d be thrilled to support you!